Thread: I need some background knowledge on linear algebra?

Ok so I'm taking a course on linear algebra and I'm totally lost. The prof introduced all this fancy notation and concepts and I have no idea what they mean. He assigned homework for the first week, which can be found here: http://wiki.math.toronto.edu/Toronto.../10-240-a1.pdf

I don't know whether profs normally start off l algebra by talking about maps and sets, but I'd really like someone to explain all of this to me as concise as possible. If not, atleast give me a list of the concepts I should cover before tackling these math problems.

Originally Posted by Thatsnotfair

Ok so I'm taking a course on linear algebra and I'm totally lost. The prof introduced all this fancy notation and concepts and I have no idea what they mean. He assigned homework for the first week, which can be found here: http://wiki.math.toronto.edu/Toronto.../10-240-a1.pdf
I don't know whether profs normally start off l algebra by talking about maps and sets, but I'd really like someone to explain all of this to me as concise as possible. If not, atleast give me a list of the concepts I should cover before tackling these math problems.

Frankly, I do not know what to make of your question.
Those topics are clearly what linear algebra is about.
Having looked the assigned paper, there is a good bit of background material assumed. Perhaps you do not have the necessary background for the course.

Ok how about this. Most of the people taking this course are first year students at university, so almost none of us have never seen these kinds of notations before. So the most we knew going into that course was highschool calculus. Let's just say I wasn't paying attention for the most part of the first week. So I really don't understand much of what the prof is saying now. Now will someone go over the basics for me?

We have many Canadians who are regular contributors.
Perhaps one of those is best to comment on your problem.
In my experience, this would be a bit much for a first year course in most American non-Ivy( and equivalent) universities.

Originally Posted by Thatsnotfair

Ok how about this. Most of the people taking this course are first year students at university, so almost none of us have never seen these kinds of notations before. So the most we knew going into that course was highschool calculus. Let's just say I wasn't paying attention for the most part of the first week. So I really don't understand much of what the prof is saying now. Now will someone go over the basics for me?

The purpose of MHF is not to teach course material to students. The puropse is to help with specific questions. I suggest you:

1. Review your class notes. If they are incomplete, get a copy from someone who was paying more attention. Check for and download any notes that have put on-line by your instructor.

2. Get and read the prescribed/recommended textbook(s) (library is a good place to try).

3. Use Google to find websites containing relevant review notes.

3. Get one-on-one help from departmental tutors.

4. Speak with and get help from your instructor.

5. Pay more attention in class.